WASHINGTON (CNS): The president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has pledged that he and his fellow prelates will work with the incoming administration of Barack Obama and the 111th Congress to “advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all, especially the vulnerable and poor.”
In a January 13 letter to the then president-elect, Chicago Cardinal Francis George offered a broad outline of policy priorities that concern the U.S. bishops, ranging from economic recovery that covers all segments of society to protecting the lives of the “most vulnerable and voiceless members of the human family,” especially unborn children.
A corresponding letter was sent to Vice President-elect Joseph Biden and each member of Congress.
Cardinal George reminded Obama that the bishops approach public policy as pastors and teachers and that the moral principles that guide them have been developed through their experience in caring for people in need.
The cardinal’s letter particularly addressed the economic crisis, health care, international affairs and immigration; marriage as the union of a man and a woman; the empowerment of faith-based groups as partners in overcoming poverty and threats to human dignity; and the importance of protecting the vulnerable and voiceless, especially the unborn.
Cardinal George restated the church’s long-held opposition to efforts to expand abortion or to fund abortion with tax dollars.
“We will oppose legislative and other measures to expand abortion,” the letter said.
“We will work to retain essential, widely supported policies which show respect for unborn life, protect the conscience rights of health care providers and other Americans, and prevent government funding and promotion of abortion.”
“Efforts to force Americans to fund abortions with their tax dollars would pose a serious moral challenge and jeopardize the passage of essential health care reforms.”
On the economic front, Cardinal George advised Obama to make poor families and vulnerable workers a “clear priority,” suggesting that recovery measures include new investments and ways to strengthen the public safety net.
“We also support greater accountability and oversight to address irresponsible abuses of the system that contributed to the financial crisis,” the cardinal’s letter said.
